Daniel Meuser

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 131. Stated against:

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend, the gentleman from Louisiana, Vice Chair Mike Johnson, for yielding. Madam Speaker, we can all agree our Nation's transportation and infrastructure system is in need of investment to improve our quality of life and economic competitiveness. Very unfortunately, the Biden administration has thus far chosen a go-it-alone approach in solving this problem with a $2.3 trillion proposal, whereby less than 8 percent would go toward improving our Nation's roads, bridges, highways, airports, ports, and waterways, traditional infrastructure. The rest is filled with provisions that have nothing to do with traditional T&I as we all know it, including $173 billion for electric cars and car electrical ports for powering; $400 billion to expand Medicaid programs, which is not infrastructure; and hundreds of billions of dollars to implement provisions of the Green New Deal. As a means to pay for it, the Biden administration and Democratic leadership plan to raise taxes by over $2 trillion. At a time when our economy is in recovery, and we are supposed to be on the side of American manufacturing and repatriating jobs, bringing these companies back to America, the idea of significant tax increases is another upside-down policy and will certainly not attract business but only export them. Additionally, our infrastructure plan needs to be supplemented by private capital investment. That is where accountability comes from. That is why I plan to introduce the Infrastructure Bank for America Act, which would add to existing government funding with private investment, increasing access to capital for worthy infrastructure projects that deliver on R&I and deliver value to the American people at a fraction of the cost to the taxpayer. Contrary to the Biden infrastructure plan, IBA investments would not be restricted and would help finance surface transportation projects, grid security, broadband, and revitalization of cities and towns across America and my district. Thus far, the Biden administration has failed to reach across the aisle in a meaningful way to accomplish anything. We should unite to fix our roads, bridges, highways, airports, and other gateways to growth and innovation, not exploit this opportunity and pass a $2 trillion liberal wish list that will raise taxes, impose Green New Deal mandates, and add trillions to our national debt.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. Foxx very much for yielding. I appreciate the opportunity to speak, Mr. Speaker. All Americans, men and women, should be treated equally and receive equal pay for equal work. I happen to be the father of two daughters, and I will do everything in this House to ensure that that continues to be the case and is, in fact, the case. If this truly were an Equal Pay Act, Mr. Speaker, I think we would have a bipartisan initiative here. We would have bipartisan agreement. The problem is this is not what it is, Mr. Speaker, it goes well beyond dealing with equal pay. What it does is it provides equal pay for as many attorneys and trial lawyers as possible. And therein lies the problem. Once again, we have what looks like legitimate legislation that sounds good and feels good, Mr. Speaker, yet when you look at the details, it is far left extremism, which poisons the legislation and doesn't allow reasonable Members like myself to be supportive. And this isn't the first time. This occurs very often, and it is the reason why we don't get things done, nor do we get bipartisan cooperation. Because cooperation is the way that we will achieve and complete bills of importance, particularly that are named equal pay for all, equality for all. That is what our goal is. It would be great if a bill like this had the substance that provided the ingredients to provide for equal pay.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, over the last few months, the situation at our border has evolved into a serious crisis caused by policy changes from the Biden administration that have incentivized illegal immigration. This is not my opinion; this is the information I received firsthand on my recent trip to the border. These policy changes include: ending the ``Remain in Mexico'' policy; implementing catch and release; and suspension of the portion of title 42, which allowed for expelling unaccompanied minors. I witnessed massively overcrowded rooms, or pods, where many children are being held for weeks at a time. The enormous influx of illegals has given the drug cartels the insidious opportunity to ship drugs into our country, leading to an increase in fentanyl smuggling by more than 2,000 percent and illegal weapons by more than 100 percent. Of grave concern to those I spoke with is the rumor that title 42 will be fully rescinded by the White House, which would lead, Mr. Speaker, to an unmitigated disaster at our border. We ask President Biden and Vice President Harris to actually visit the border, speak with the agents on the ground, and learn what is going on. This is not a Republican or a Democrat issue; this is a humanitarian and national security crisis that can be solved.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member from Ohio, Mr. Jordan, for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today to oppose H.R. 6. Under the leadership of President Trump, illegal border crossings dropped dramatically, and our border was secured. Since taking office, President Biden has halted construction of our border wall, attempted a moratorium on deportations, and, in so doing, created significant incentives for illegal immigration. In February, over 100,000 illegal immigrants were apprehended at our southern border, three times the number in the same month the year previous. Speaking to Border Patrol agents, Republicans and Democrats are told the same thing: This is a humanitarian crisis. Violent cartels are taking advantage of innocent people to smuggle drugs into our country. Yet, the Biden administration placed a gag order on CBP agents. What is going on here? Are we going to face the problem, or are we going to hide it with gag orders? Now Democrats are introducing H.R. 6, which only exacerbates the Biden policies at the border by creating the incentive of amnesty with no discussion of border security. Madam Speaker, it is time for the House to wake up. This is disastrous policy, and it is in full view. There is no hiding from it. We should oppose H.R. 6 on humanitarian grounds.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, over the past year, Congress passed five bipartisan and targeted relief bills, totaling $3.7 trillion, to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. These packages succeeded in supporting our economy through the worst of this crisis. Now, Democrat leadership wants to spend another $2 trillion on an excessive plan that directs just 1 percent toward vaccines, 1 percent, and provides far beyond what is needed to fuel our continued recovery. States will receive $350 billion on top of the $500 billion already allocated. Revenue is actually up in these States. Supplementing unemployment compensation while small business is hurting for employees is the wrong move to be made at this time. Mr. Speaker, in this bill, felons, including currently incarcerated murderers, were not exempt from receiving these stimulus checks that are intended for taxpayers. Federal workers, Mr. Speaker, will receive up to $35 an hour, in addition to their full salary, to care for a child learning from home. Why do Federal workers deserve such privilege, Mr. Speaker, when we should be focused on economic recovery, getting our children back to school, and vaccine distribution? That is what is in the interests of the American people.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from Ohio for yielding. Mr. Speaker, once again, Democratic leadership is proposing legislation that would do nothing to prevent criminals from accessing firearms while greatly restricting the Second Amendment rights of law- abiding citizens. These bills are being sold to the public as an effort to pass universal background checks. But House Democrats fail to recognize that every commercial gun sale in the United States already has a background check. Mr. Speaker, ending gun violence in America is a goal we all share, but H.R. 8 will subject law-abiding gun owners to criminal penalties for simply handing a firearm to another person. For instance, if you loaned a friend a rifle to go hunting, they could face a year in prison or a $100,000 fine. This is simply ridiculous. The same would be true, Mr. Speaker, if you loaned an abuse victim a firearm for self-defense. H.R. 1446 would create arbitrary delays for firearm purchases and could allow the FBI to delay a firearm transfer indefinitely. These bills would do nothing to keep Americans safer and, in fact, threaten the public safety and our constitutional right to bear arms.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 682, the Reopen Schools Act, to get our kids out from behind screens and back in the classroom.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 69.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, our Nation faces serious challenges, including an ongoing pandemic, vaccine distribution hurdles, continued lockdowns from out-of-touch Governors, prolonged closures of our schools, and one-in-four small businesses face the risk of permanent closure. At a time when the American people are concerned with election integrity, a top priority of our Democrat leadership is to federalize election laws, removing the authority of State legislatures expressed in Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution. H.R. 1, the bill before us today, would allow for taxpayer-funded campaigns through a government match on political contributions at a 6- to-1 ratio. So a $200 contribution would be matched by the taxpayer to the tune of $1,200. H.R. 1 would also hinder the rights of States to determine their registration voting practices, including mandating automatic voter registration. The suggestion being made by my Democrat friends and colleagues that opposition to this legislation is somehow a form of voter suppression is ridiculous. I and my colleagues would never consider engaging in a course of action that suppresses a citizen's legitimate right to vote. This is a partisan power grab that threatens election integrity. ``One citizen, one vote'' is my solemn resolve. I oppose this amendment and the underlying bill.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding. Madam Speaker, over the past year, Congress has allocated nearly $4 trillion to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now Democrat leadership is following through on a campaign promise made by President Biden to spend another $2 trillion. Madam Speaker, further assistance is appropriate for those individuals, families, and businesses who have been hit the hardest, including restaurants; but this bill fails to recognize the improving economic conditions, as well as the fact that more than $1 trillion from previous relief packages remains unspent. Just 9 percent of this bill goes towards combating the virus, and just 1 percent is directed for vaccines. Instead, the apparent priorities for Democrat leadership include a bailout for mismanaged States, pension funds, an increase in the minimum wage, and half a billion dollars for the arts and humanities. Madam Speaker, Congress has already provided $68 billion for our schools, more than double the CDC's highest estimate of what it would take for our schools to open safely. We should be able to unite in supporting an economic recovery, open our schools, increase testing, and ensure the efficient distribution of vaccines.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I rise to support the objection.

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, a day that was intended to debate the importance of election integrity and the rule of law tragically became a day that will be a black mark in our Nation's history. Nevertheless, the work of this House must go on, as America will go on. We must all sincerely thank the Capitol Police and Metro Police for their selfless actions today, putting their safety and lives on the line to protect this House. The lawlessness and violence of today must be condemned, just as all violent protests must be condemned. Nevertheless, the fact remains, a large number of Pennsylvanians are enormously frustrated with actions taken by elected and appointed officials in Pennsylvania, which have led to a high level of distrust for this past election. We have the United States Constitution, which is the reason we have been and will continue to be a great country and a country of laws. The U.S. Constitution is unambiguous, Madam Speaker, in declaring that State legislatures are the entity with the authority to set election procedures and to enact any changes to election law. Article I, Section 4, Clause 1 states: ``The times, places, and manner of holding elections . . . shall be prescribed in each State by the legislature thereof.'' The authority of election procedures lies with the State legislature, period. In Pennsylvania, this authority was indisputably usurped by the Pennsylvania Governor's office, by the Pennsylvania secretary of state, and by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. These unlawful actions include, but are not limited to, accepting ballots past 8 p.m. on election day; inconsistent application of verified signature requirements for in-person ballots versus mail-in ballots; authorizing the curing of mail-in ballots with less than 24 hours' notice, leading to inconsistent preparedness between counties; and authorizing the use of unsecured drop boxes, which is not permitted in statute. If such unlawful actions are to be accepted, what do we have to look forward to next year? The Pennsylvania secretary of state allowing online voting because it may be raining in Philadelphia? It was a free- for-all. Madam Speaker, it was back in 2005 when then-Minority Leader Pelosi, while leading 31 Democrats as they objected to the Presidential elector certification, as they did in the last three Presidential elections when a Republican won, stated quite well, actually: The Members of Congress have brought this challenge and are speaking up for their aggrieved constituents, many of whom have been disenfranchised in this process. This is their only opportunity to have this debate while the country is listening, and it is appropriate to do so. Thank you for those words, Madam Speaker. They were appropriate then, as they are now. If there is an American ideal that all citizens, regardless of party affiliation, can agree upon, it is that we must have election integrity. We should not certify these electors, which were derived by unlawful actions and a result of inaccurate vote tallies. Madam Speaker, I yield the remainder of my time to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Joyce).

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the PIAA on seeing through a successful fall season for Pennsylvania high school sports in spite of the many challenges. We have some great sports teams in my district of Pennsylvania, and I would like to highlight a few. North Schuylkill's Spartans won a well-deserved football district championship at the conclusion of an undefeated season. Palmyra's high school girls field hockey team won a State title in overtime, their first in 15 years; Southern Columbia girls soccer won their second title in 3 years; and Bloomsburg girls soccer won their State title. Mr. Speaker, Southern Columbia's high school football program is nothing short of awesome. Southern Columbia, under Coach Jim Roth, won their 11th State title. On both sides of the ball, this team dominates, and the Tigers have made their citizens of Columbia County and all of Pennsylvania very proud. And congratulations to Lake Lehman football. I have known many of the players on this great team since they were 6 years old, playing and learning the game under Back Mountain Bobcats Head Coach Dan Anderson and other great coaches. Lake Lehman's coach, Jerry Gilsky, led the Black Knights to a great season. They came up short in the district championship game, but they had a season of champions, and we are proud of them.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the incredible gentlewoman from North Carolina for yielding. Mr. Speaker, in the last 10 years, the number of Americans entering apprenticeship programs has more than doubled--a success. The demand among employers and workers in a variety of industries is an endorsement of the apprenticeship model's promise to close the skills gap and provide opportunities to millions of Americans--a great thing. The legislation we are considering today, however, would shut down efforts to expand apprenticeships and make the existing 80-year-old registered apprenticeship program and system the only option. Talking to job creators in my district, which I do extensively, I have heard firsthand the needs for talented, new workers and their challenges with the cumbersome apprenticeship system that limits employer-led innovation for union and nonunion employment. The registered apprenticeship system is not the gold standard; it is the old standard. American workers and employers need a system as innovative and dynamic as our current American economy. Republicans offered an all-of-the-above approach that improves the registered apprenticeship system and promotes flexibilities to strengthen our workforce, particularly in manufacturing and construction, and would allow the apprenticeship model to be applied across all new industries such as tech, healthcare, logistics, and energy--particularly, Mr. Speaker, as we strive to fortify U.S. manufacturers and rebuild our infrastructure and repatriatize manufacturers from around the world, including China. We should not insist on ratio standards, but we should set very high gold standards. So we should focus on baking pies, not cutting them up. The economy workforce has evolved over the past 80 years. Our laws should, too. I urge a ``no'' vote on this bill.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, many of the voters in Pennsylvania and in my district are rightfully upset and concerned about the irregular actions which occurred in the past election. There are valid reasons for the collective feeling of disenfranchisement and of distrust stemming from various election processes and procedural changes which were outside of statute. Thousands--no--millions in Pennsylvania have a feeling of intense frustration and believe that their constitutional rights have been violated. To start, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court granted a 3-day extension for late-arriving ballots, usurping the authority of the State legislature and contradicting the U.S. Constitution, which clearly states: ``The times, places, and manner of holding elections shall be prescribed in each State by the legislature thereof.'' These constitutional authorities are not fair-weather laws, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. The highly irregular actions of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court resulted in the unlawful counting of over 10,000 ballots that arrived after the statutory required time of 8 p.m. on election day--nobody disputes this--mitigating an accurate ballot count and, at the same time, fueling great distrust in the process. Second, there are serious disputes over how individual mail-in ballots with technical errors were handled across the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania State law dictates that mail-in ballots must be signed, dated, and included in a secrecy envelope, and that ballots that are missing required information and/or signatures should be disqualified or, at a minimum, authenticated. Just hours before polls opened, the secretary of state of Pennsylvania issued inconsistent and contradictory guidance, giving Pennsylvania counties the authority to decide whether to reject ballots that contained discrepancies or take additional measures to correct them. This happened. This is a highly irregular thing to do. As a result, Philadelphia, Montgomery, Allegheny, and Bucks County, four of the largest counties in Pennsylvania, allowed literally thousands and thousands of ballots to be fixed or cured, a measure not pursued by most other counties and which violated State election law. Third, Republican poll watchers in Philadelphia were kept at an unreasonable distance to observe the pre-canvassing and canvassing of ballots. Even after a court ruling allowed poll watchers closer access, Philadelphia officials actually appealed the order to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Why would local election officials make the process blatantly more restrictive to poll watchers, some of whom resorted to using binoculars to do their jobs? This, too, actually happened. An estimated 687,000 ballots were counted during this time of no lawfully required poll watchers. Such actions, Mr. Speaker, raise very legitimate doubts surrounding transparency and accountability of Presidential election. Further adding to the frustration and distrust felt by millions in Pennsylvania, the media projected the outcome while such valid disputes were outstanding before due process took place and well before judicial rulings were made. In Pennsylvania, the cases before the courts could involve tens of thousands of ballots, of votes, an amount, if deemed unlawful, would mandate an automatic recount. In a close election, counting all legal votes takes time, yet it is absolutely essential to assure to a candidate, but more so to the voters, that the vote count be honest, lawful, and fair. The implications for our country are significant now and beyond 2020. Along with a fair election of the United States of America President, what is at stake here is the integrity of our election process and the faith the American people have in it.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize the Blue Knight's International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club Pennsylvania Chapter IV. The Blue Knights is a non-profit fraternal organization of active and retired law enforcement officers and veterans who enjoy riding motorcycles. A group of several law enforcement officers formed the first chapter of the Blue Knights in Bangor, Maine in 1974.Today they have over 600 chapters and nearly 20,000 members all over the world. The Blue Knights are dedicated to developing a fraternal spirit among those in the law enforcement and veterans community who enjoy riding motorcycles. As a group, the Blue Knights engage in charitable activities such as supporting local law enforcement causes, honoring our veterans, and assisting children in need. The Blue Knights Pennsylvania Chapter IV is very active in supporting the Berks community. Recently the Blue Knights held their 1st Annual Benefit Ride & Pig Roast, raising nearly $5,000 in support of the Berks County Sheriffs Office K-9 Unit. This Memorial Day, the Blue Knights also escorted 50,000 American flags that were distributed and placed on the graves of deceased veterans across Berks County. The Blue Knights are steadfast supporters of those who serve our communities and our nation. Members of the Blue Knights have not only donned the uniform and served our communities and our nation themselves, but they also continue their service as good citizens in aiding law enforcement and veterans causes. Our community and our nation are better for their continued selfless service and dedication. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Pennsylvania Chapter IV of the Blue Knights and thank them for their continued service to our nation and our communities.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 8265 to extend the Paycheck Protection Program to millions of employees on the payroll of America's small businesses.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is really my honor to be here today in support with Congressman Trone, and I thank him for his partnership and his leadership on this very important issue. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer support for our bill, H.R. 5572, the Family Support Services for Addiction Act, which provides a family and community-based approach to addiction treatment that works to address the deep-seated effects of the addiction crisis on so many families. The opioid epidemic is ravaging my district and many States across America, and all of Pennsylvania is by no means an exception. In 2017, Pennsylvania experienced 5,456 drug-related overdose deaths. It has impacted virtually every family throughout the Commonwealth. Far too many families struggling with substance use disorder feel like they have nowhere to turn for the resources and very important information. This bill would establish a grant program for family community organizations that provide support for families of individuals struggling with substance use disorder. These services can include information and referral sources, support groups, system navigation to assist the family in finding resources, parent training and education, specialized crisis support, and, really, much, much more, again, where they currently don't know where to turn. As a member of the Freshman Working Group on Addiction, I am very proud to be the Republican lead on a bill that takes critical steps to help families feel empowered and equipped to support their loved ones struggling with substance use disorder. I again want to very, very sincerely congratulate and thank Congressman David Trone for his hard work, his dedication, and his great care in helping those suffering from drug addiction. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I urge its swift passage.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, those who are placed in positions of leadership, particularly those elected by the people, have a responsibility to put their short-term interests aside for the greater collective good. We have a problem in America with violence in our streets, destruction of property, and hateful rhetoric toward police and innocent bystanders every day. As a result, people are fleeing our cities in droves, yet many so-called leaders have tacitly condoned the destruction with phrases like: ``People will do what they do,'' and, ``There needs to be unrest in the streets for as long as there is unrest in our lives.'' ``No justice, no peace.'' We have all heard it. If such indirect encouragement is not bad enough, continued silence from certain leaders may be even worse. The idea that, after an assassination attempt of two sheriffs in California, the former attorney general, the top cop, and current Senator of the State remaining silent on this issue is outrageous. Just this week, as a response to the President's constitutional duty to nominate a Supreme Court Justice, the far left immediately stated: ``Let this moment radicalize you.'' They later stated: ``Nothing is off the table.'' Just now, it was stated: ``Do so at your peril.'' That is a threat. This incites lawlessness and has nothing to do with national unity. We can disagree on policy, but now, more than ever, we need new leaders who aspire to follow in the heroic footsteps of Martin Luther King and call out those who fail to do so.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, the Commitment to America introduced by House Republicans is a plan which can be accomplished in the next Congress with the right leadership in place. It is our commitment to the American public that we have clear objectives and we will deliver results for the people. The plan calls for us to restore our way of life, rebuild our economy, and renew the American Dream. As we restore our way of life, we will defeat the coronavirus by expanding rapid testing capabilities and developing a vaccine that is safe and effective sooner rather than later. We will rebuild our economy with unprecedented growth, including, once again, regaining historically low unemployment for all, including women, African Americans, and Hispanic Americans. We will rebuild by continuing to support employees and employers, upgrading and modernizing our infrastructure, and implementing free and reciprocal trade agreements that give made-in-USA products and farmers a competitive edge on the world stage. We will renew the American Dream by providing every child the opportunity to attend an excellent school, every veteran a choice in healthcare and job opportunities, every citizen a pathway to pursue a meaningful career, and every senior an assurance that Social Security and Medicare will be protected. This Republican Commitment to America plan is the framework to complete a great American comeback and ensure a great future for our country.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend today's roll call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 179, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 180, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 181, and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 182. personal explanation

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, Tuesday's House Judiciary hearing was one of the most disgraceful events I and millions of Americans have witnessed in this Congress. No election or apparent hatred of any person should spark behavior that is beneath this office. As one of my constituents said, ``all traditional decorum has been lost.'' The Attorney General of the United States was accused by Democrat Members of using Federal force to quell the unrest in Portland for the purpose of providing footage for campaign ads; meanwhile, refusing to condemn attacks to a Federal courthouse. For more than 60 days, Portland had experienced violent protests, and now today's Democrats are rationalizing the situation by blaming the Federal law enforcement officials for destruction which had been caused weeks before their arrival. We have come to expect this level of deliberate mischaracterization from the media, but from Members? How are we not united in denouncing violence in our streets? How are we not united in providing resources to safely open our schools and restart our economy and find a vaccine? How are we not united in passing an effective phase 4 relief package focused on solving problems, not prolonging them through November 3rd?

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, as America continues to battle the coronavirus, many of us in Congress have worked to protect both lives and livelihoods. Now, we must focus our efforts on supporting the safe reopening of our schools. Every child deserves to receive an in-person education, if they so choose. Schools in Pennsylvania's Ninth District, for instance, Lake Lehman Township, are preparing in a smart, innovative, and safe manner. As the American Academy of Pediatrics has said: ``All policy considerations for the coming school year should start with a goal of having students physically present in school.'' Congress must work with school districts to provide support for social distancing, PPEs, temperature checks, any equipment necessary for those who choose to learn remotely, and even perhaps an on-site health and safety coordinator. We must also pass legislation to create liability protection for schools to reopen without the threat of predatory lawsuits. Let's put politics aside, follow the science, follow the recommendations of AAOP and the President's task force and open schools safely for the millions of American families who want their children safely back in the classroom this fall.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, since taking office, President Trump has delivered on his promise to rebuild our military. The Mac Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act fully funds the President's budget request, authorizing funding for national defense commitments at home and abroad. This bill includes a 3 percent pay raise for our troops and their families. If anyone deserves a raise, it is the brave men and women in uniform who sacrifice so much while defending freedom around the world. This bill also provides critical investments in artificial intelligence and makes sure our military can prepare for and respond to emergent threats from China and other adversaries around the world. This bill also provides funding for the Space Force, a strategic area where we have fallen well behind over the years. Parts of this bill also ensure that the Department of Defense has the resources to protect our Armed Forces from the coronavirus, with funding for PPE and testing capabilities. Portions of this bill show the world that the U.S. military is strong and will preserve peace through strength, a top priority of President Trump. This bill continues to make up for the shortfalls of the past and sends a clear message to our servicemembers that we have their backs.